PRESS COVERAGE OF BREAST CANCER ISSUES IN NIGERIA: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF DAILY TRUST AND VANGUARD NEWSPAPER ( 2019- 2020)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women and the leading cause of cancer death, with an estimated 1,384,155 new cases diagnosed globally in 2008. Breast cancer is continuing on the increase across the globe, and it is now recognized a growing public health concern for populations in low- and middle-income nations (LMICs). Furthermore, a recent population-based research of cancer survival in Africa, Asia, and Central America discovered unacceptably poor breast cancer survival rates in African nations, particularly in Gambia, where 5-year age-standardized relative survival was less than 12%.

Breast cancer has been recognized as a main cause of mortality all over the world. Each year, over a million new instances of breast cancer are diagnosed, resulting in around 875,000 deaths, with high mortality rates in poor nations. Breast cancer was estimated to account for 56.6 percent of all cancer diagnoses in Nigeria between 1995 and 2002. The illness's prevalence has risen, and afflicted women often appear late in hospitals, when the condition has progressed to an advanced state. Its treatment is severely hampered at this stage, and the low survival rate has been related to late discovery and diagnosis (Bekele, 2018). Cancer is a disease that develops when the genetic mutation of the cellular Deoxyribonuleic acids transforms aberrant cells (DNA). Breast cancer does not cause pain or discomfort in its early stages. It commonly manifests as a painless lump in the breast. Different risk factors may influence a woman's susceptibility to the illness.

Low public knowledge of breast cancer, in addition to poverty, is a barrier to breast cancer control in LMICs, where women seek medical care late and tumours are often identified at later stages, when curative treatment options are limited. In terms of health-care systems, breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and early detection, the Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI) panel has identified implementation techniques to enhance breast cancer management in LMICs. Efforts must be made to raise community awareness in order to diagnose cancer early. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which represent civil society, may play a significant role in breast cancer prevention.

In Ghana, 2,062 new instances of breast cancer were reported each year, accounting for 16.5 percent of all women cancer deaths, with age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of 25.8 and 15.2 per 100,000 women, respectively (Globocan 2008). Sixty percent of cases were discovered late (IIB, III and IV). The median age data that is available is sparse and mostly hospital-based. On a sample of 66 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, Clegg-Lamptey et al. found that the median age at diagnosis was 43 years. The age range was wide, ranging from 20 to 84. Surgery is still the most common therapy for breast cancer in the nation, and the condition is surrounded by cultural beliefs and mysticisms, as it is in other African nations.

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Cancer is one of the most devastating illnesses that have ever afflicted humanity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer accounts for around 12.5 percent of all fatalities worldwide, which is more than the combined percentages of fatalities caused by HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.

As a result, the rise in breast cancer attacks and fatalities in Nigeria raises an important question about the impact of media coverage of breast cancer concerns in Nigeria: A content study of the daily trust and the vanguard newspaper in relation to their inadequate reactions to early breast cancer presentation (2019-2020). In light of the foregoing, and given the American Cancer Society's (2007) confirmation that breast cancer deaths are preventable at an early stage, the researcher critically evaluated the effectiveness of breast cancer media campaign programs in causing quick and prompt positive changes in women's BSE and CBE for the reduction of their mortality rate.

To far, little study has been done in Nigeria on the media's coverage of breast cancer concerns, and much less in rural communities. As a result, a content study of the daily trust and vanguard newspapers is required to analyze the press coverage of breast cancer concerns in Nigeria.

1.3       OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to examine the press coverage of breast cancer issues in Nigeria using a content analysis of daily trust and vanguard newspaper; but specifically the research aims to:

1.    To examine the extent of newspaper reportage of breast Cancer cases

2.    To determine if there is under reportage of breast Cancer cases by newspapers.

3.    To examine the individuals quoted by the newspapers.

1.4       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.    What is the extent of newspaper reportage of breast Cancer cases?

2.    Is there under reportage of breast Cancer cases by newspapers?

3.    Which individuals are quoted by the newspapers during reportage?

1.5       SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Our study aimed to assess the Press coverage of breast cancer issues in Nigeria: A content analysis of daily trust and vanguard newspaper ( 2019- 2020).

This study has both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, it will contribute to the articulation of the media/press campaign role in solving the problem of breast cancer. 

It will serve as a data base to mass communication researchers who may be interested in learning the global fight on breast cancer and future researchers, who may embarking on similar research in future.  It practical will serve as a document for government and non-governmental organizations, policy makers and media campaigns planners in the field of breast cancer.     

1.6       SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The research focus on the Press coverage of breast cancer issues in Nigeria: A content analysis of daily trust and vanguard newspaper ( 2019- 2020).

1.7       LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The only limitation faced by the researcher during the course of this study was insufficient funds.

1.8       DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. PRESS COVERAGE: The amount of space in news publications or time in news broadcasts given to a specific topic.

2. BREAST CANCER: Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control.